Karen Janette Eaton, aged 82, of Flint, Michigan, passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 3, 2024. Born on September 3, 1942, in Jackson, Michigan, she was the beloved daughter of Lofton and Virginia (Magoon) Greene. She graduated from River Rouge High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of Michigan-Flint. She had a long career in Education. She began as a Physical Education teacher and cheerleader coach at Shaker Heights High School in Ohio. Karen then moved back to Michigan where her early childhood career launched as a Head Start teacher and transitioned to director roles for the United States Army at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and two bases in Germany: Pirmasens and Giessen. When she returned to the States, she had a unique opportunity to launch a center from its foundation, UAW-GM Childhood Development Center. It was a model of family-centered early childhood education and Karen remained the director for 16 years until retirement in 2008. She was also an early childhood education lecturer at Mott Community College for several years.

Karen celebrated her life by her dedication to family and community. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Kathy Eaton (Gordon), who survives her and will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lofton and Virginia Greene, life partner, Len Coker, her brother Paul (Jan) Greene and sister, Peggy VanLoo (Bill). She is survived by her siblings, Malcolm Greene, Nancy Newman (Raleigh), David Greene, and Shelley Wesley (Mark), and eleven nieces and nephews. She had a special bond with her niece Jessie who lovingly called her Grandma. Karen’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting influence on all who knew her.

Karen’s community service was varied and rich. She was active in the choir for her church, Flint Festival Chorus and the Flint Master Singers. She volunteered for poll duty at several elections both local and federal. She was a volunteer for 4 C’s Child Care Advocacy, served on the Michigan Home Based Child Care Council, and was a vociferous activist anywhere she saw a need to promote social justice. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

In accordance with her wishes, Karen was cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Peoples Church of Flint, located at 503 Garland Street, Flint, MI 48503. Friends and family are invited to share their memories and expressions of sympathy on Karen’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.

Karen Janette Eaton will be remembered for her gentle spirit and unwavering love for her daughter, family and community. Her happy places were Divine Greene Girl weekends, lunches with Laura Eufinger, and treasured family time at Rock River. She loved creating handmade gifts that we will continue to treasure. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched and memories of her joyful laughter.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Karen’s memory to one of the following organizations:

Karen’s Church community: Peoples Church of Flint Donation, please indicate the donation is in memory of Karen. Online link: https://www.peopleschurchofflint.org/ or by mail to Peoples Church of Flint, 503 Garland St, Flint, MI 48501

or

In honor of her life passion of early childhood education donations can be made in her name to the University of Michigan-Flint’s Early Childhood Development Center. Contributions can be made online at https://donate.umich.edu/jWDy4 or by mail to the University of Michigan-Flint, Office of University Advancement, 303 E. Kearsley Street, Flint, MI 48502. Please make checks payable to the University of Michigan and indicate in the memo line that your gift is in memory of Karen.

Karen’s obituary was written by her loving family.